History of Curse of Strahd

Barovia has gone through four distinct ages in its history. The First Age of Barovia takes place during the time of the first inhabitants of the valley. It is said that they are responsible for the creation of the oldest structures in Barovia; including the labyrinths built underneath and the Castle that looms above the valley. It is unknown the purpose behind building these structures, but they stand as a testament to the power and knowledge of this ancient society.   Eventually they would face a rather rapid decline. What caused their downfall and eventual disappearance is unknown. Whether it is a secret lost to the sands of time, or a secret kept by the elite of Barovia, no one knows.

The Third Age of Barovia was ushered in with the conquest of Strahd. Strahd’s campaign was short and brutal, nearly wiping out all of the natives. What few survived escaped to the outskirts of Barovia. After clearing out the land of its natives Strahd would take the castle as a new home, and begin construction of a new country within the fertile valley below. The valley would be named Barovia, after King Barov, and the castle would be named Ravenloft, Queen Raveonia.